Our Little Pumpkin Picks a Pumpkin...and More

This weekend our family went to Southern Belle Farms. We met up with the Hintons so the girls could have some fun together. We went last year, but of course it wasn't near as fun for Ella, and they didn't have near the "stuff" to do (thanks Felicia). It is a real working farm...you'll see what I mean in a minute.

There was so much to do there for Ella. Many things will be exciting in the years to come as she can do more, but we still had a blast!

We looked at animals that Ella scared as she talked to them,

Ella rode a tractor/tricycle that Dad had to push,

We used a water pump to push a rubber duck down a pipe,

We saw a pig race...have you ever seen one? This, my friends, is living proof we were on a farm and we do live in the great state of Georgia! Sorry for the loudmouth yelling next to me- more proof we were in Georgia!

Ella and I rode a cow train...

...with Kora and Kate. I'm usually much better with pictures, but this is the only one I got of the two girls together.

And the MOST important reason...we got a pumpkin.

Ella picked the pumpkin we chose. She walked up to it immediately and never left it. And it was actually a good pumpkin!

She did, however, search through the other pumpkins to be sure there wasn't one better.

It seems a little premature in the month I know, for a pumpkin, but we went ahead and got it anyway. We didn't carve it yet, but it's picked out and at the house for a couple of weeks. We won't have another opportunity- this weekend was the time.

And this is such a neat time of year for our family. Pumpkins hold significant sentimental value to us. Ten years ago (can you BELIEVE it?) Earl and I carved our first pumpkin together. I bought this corny little carving kit at Moye's and begged him to carve it with me. He said that if I could keep up with that kit, that cost $2.99, he'd carve one with me the next year. Isn't it neat that that was in 1998- and today, in 2008, I know exactly where that carving kit is? I know, Mom, it is a small miracle that I kept up with anything that long! :)

I must say, the best carving job was done in 2003. For those of you that don't know, that year, Earl carved a pumpkin on his own...it said "Will You Marry Me?" Although that was my favorite carving of all, I'm sure we'll come up with another masterpiece for our pumpkin this year. I'll be sure to post pictures when we do!